Lake Central honors two National Merit finalists; Education Foundation awards $9,823 in teacher grants

Lake Central School Corporation recognized two National Merit Scholarship Program finalists and celebrated $9,823.07 in classroom grants awarded by the Lake Central Education Foundation during the board meeting.

Mrs. Novak, speaking for Lake Central High School, said the district has “2 national merit finalists this school year,” naming Riley Hansen and Yovan Kolar and noting finalists are among the top 1 percent of students who took the PSAT. Certificates will be presented the following day.

Representatives of the Lake Central Education Foundation summarized round 64 grant awards and donor support. Dawn, a foundation representative, said the foundation gave 15 grants totaling $9,823.07 and reported that Partners in Education fundraising has raised “over $35,000” in 2026, a 68% increase over 2025.

Foundation organizers and board members read individual grant awards and described classroom uses: Crystal Lippy received $745.70 for play equipment aimed at social and sensory development; Joseph Carrara received $764 for laparoscopy simulation kits for advanced biomedical students; multiple grants funded decodable readers, task boxes for special education, gross-motor equipment, language-support earbuds, percussion materials, and a sensory room to support student regulation.

Board members and foundation volunteers congratulated recipients and invited grant winners and donors to photos in the hallway following the meeting.

The board did not take further action specific to the grants beyond the presentation; logistical follow-ups (certificate presentation and photos) were scheduled.